The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, locally known as 'L-Imnarja', is a hugely significant public holiday celebrated annually on the 29th of June in Malta. The holiday's name - L-Imnarja - translates to 'the illumination' which originates from the traditional bonfires that were lit on the eve of the feast day. This spectacle has been celebrated for centuries, dating back to the rule of the Knights of St. John in Malta.
This feast marks the martyrdom of the two saints - Peter and Paul, both are important figures in the Roman Catholic faith. The celebrations span across a couple of days, and are characterized by various religious and cultural festivities. The Cathedral of St. Paul and the Basilica of St. Peter, both significant religious sites in Malta, become the centers of these festivities wherein mass and processions take place.
Apart from religious observations, secular celebrations also occur. One of the popular secular traditions associated with the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul is the traditional Maltese food fair, featuring local delicacies and folk music. Another time-honored tradition is the agrarian show held at Buskett gardens, which exhibits the best of Malta’s local produce and livestock. The feast, therefore, serves as an authentic illustration of Malta's rich religious and cultural heritage.